Ref: S3D38064
In 2013, the tutor made a small wall relief, within which an embroidered figure was partially obscured under multiple layers of ruched cloth and tightly pulled linen stitches. The title of the work was Ghost.
This workshop is centred on how we hide, ghost, delete, redact, ignore and bury information. Each of you will construct a personal laminate formed from layers of semi-transparent or open-weave fabric within which information will be secreted. Stitch will be used to access and unite the various layers. The needle may be viewed as a form of archaeological tool, paring back layers, exposing unexpected juxtapositions of information, and creating its own visual map of engagement. The tutor is particularly interested in how what remains visible is interpreted and understood.
Prior to the commencement of the workshop, you will be asked to select two wooden frames, which will be overlaid and will form the base for your investigation. There will be six sizes available in square and rectangular formats. Each frame has two cloth sides (four surfaces, back and front) on which you can stretch a cloth and work into, with a gap in between, within which information and objects can be contained and hidden. If you overlay two frames, you will have four cloth sides (eight surfaces, back and front) and two areas in between to theoretically work into. You are free to select whatever information you wish to hide. This might be a single object or a group of objects, a collection of images, a photograph, an item of clothing, text, organic material, or anything physical that could be placed within the frame size of your choice.
Ghosted has a clear and simple outcome: the construction of a mixed-media relief. However, there are many conceptual variables should you wish to go deeper. The primary aim of the workshop is one of visual interpretation.
Learning outcomes will include personal and group discussion, as well as the development and refinement of your own personal textile language. Pulled, drawn thread and cutwork will be quietly referenced as technical touchstones. The tutors aim is that you will return to your own workspaces empowered and with a renewed sense of self-belief.
On this course the College will supply some of the materials and equipment, including:
Please bring An object or collection of smaller objects, imagery, photographs that you wish to insert between the Fabric layers. this is important as It forms the basis of your work. on a practical level, the object, etc. cannot be too large as It needs to fit the frame size of your choice. you will be stretching Fabric over your object, so its a largely practical consideration. you could, however, explore imagery which has a distended, exaggerated, rougher or uncomfortable feel, in which case the size of the object (s) might be deliberately exaggerated. in general, photographs or flat imagery are not really An issue as they will slot easily between layers of cloth.
a collection of materials that you enjoy using and which are relevant to the workshop investigation and which might add character to your work, e.g. wires, threads, string and wool, fabrics, paints, ribbons, tapes, drawing media, thin papers, a personal textile/paint/work box of the things you like to work with or have collected. Linear material is particularly relevant, as you will be building surfaces in a series of layers.
the first session will be a brief group introduction and outline of the workshop. you should bring Something that either describes your working methods or illustrates your chosen area of visual research. this could be a Sketchbook, photograph, object, piece of work or idea/inspiration image that illustrates your practice.
bring some Basic tools, Scissors, needles, pliers, brushes, etc. An assortment of acrylic paints camera/phone to record work
Available from shop: Fabrics, threads, paints, needles, graphic media, papers
Available from the tutor: Fabric, wire
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).
Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 7.15pm for registration. Students arriving earlier are welcome to purchase dinner in the College Dining Room from 6pm.
Students meet their tutor in the Bar at 7.30pm prompt to go to studios.
First Teaching session: 7.30pm - 9pm (attendance is essential)
Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am - 5pm
Morning session: 9.15am - 12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm - 2pm*
Afternoon session: 2pm - 5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.
Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm
Teaching finishes: 3pm
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am. Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.
*Lunch can be purchased on campus, view options
Michael has an international reputation as one of the most innovative artists working in textiles today. He has lectured at Universities in London, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Poland and USA.His work is represented in collections worldwide, including the Victoria & Albert Museum and the National Gallery of Australia.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
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